E N G L A N D vs SOU T H A M ER I CA SATU RDAY 17TH MAY 2014
BEYOND EXPECTATION Your idea of social networking involves getting your feet wet.
Treading the divots in the shadow of a legendary castle, one of the many reasons why.
the 7th annual st. regis international cup cowdray park, west sussex saturday, 17th may 2014
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PROGRAMME ENGLANDvsSOUTH AMERICA T HE S T. R EGI S I N T ER N AT I O N AL CU P
11:00
Gates open
14 :30
AUDI ENGLAND vs SOUTH AMERICA
for The Silver Jubilee Cup
16:00 Presentations 16:30
ST. REGIS vs HURLINGHAM in
Family Traditions at St. Regis Polo Cup
PRESENTATIONS The St. Regis International Cup
Polo The
Magazine
Mr Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts will present the Silver Jubilee Cup, the St. Regis International Cup and individual prizes The prize for Most Valuable Player is sponsored by Casablanca Polo and presented by Mr Jamie Gordon The prize for the Umpires are sponsored by The Polo Magazine and presented by Miss Charley Larcombe, Editor The prize for the Best Playing Pony is sponsored by Polo Times and presented by Miss Polly Bryan, Deputy Editor Commentator: Karl Ude-Martinez
Ref. fluorescent orange colour CMYK: 0, 70, 100, 0 Web colour: #FF6600 Pantone: 804 C 2X
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CONTENTS 5
Chairman’s Welcome: Peter Barfoot, Chairman of Cowdray Park Polo Club introduces today’s event
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St. Regis Welcome: By Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
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The England Team
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The South American Team
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Retail Village
15 Review: Looking back to the 2013 St. Regis International Cup, played between England and South America 18
England Update: David Woodd comments on the season ahead
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St. Regis Hotels & Resorts: An Introduction to The 7th Annual St. Regis International Cup
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Polo at a Glance: A quick guide to the Game of Kings
26 Autographs:
Committee Member List President Viscount Cowdray Vice President Hon Lila Pearson Chairman Peter Barfoot
Members Rupert Clevely Ray Fine Robert Graham James Harper Charles Homan Alan Kent Charlie McCowen Marchioness of Milford Haven David Taylor Robert Windle Hon Member Julian Hipwood Officials Operations Manager Lt Col Paddy Bangham Polo Manager Chris Bethell Grounds Manager Julian Russell-Hayes Polo Office Manager Janey Delow Polo Office Assistant Vanessa Graham Communications & PR Liz Higgins Treasurer Martyn Dearden Veterinary Officer P J McMahon MRCVS Pony Welfare Patrick Churchward BVSc MRCVS Commentators Terry Hanlon, John Kent, Tony Sheridan, Felix Wheeler Match Staff Supervisor Julie Punchard Match Staff Assistant Annette Bethell Members’ Enclosure Robert Berry Cowdray Works Dept Peppi Cella, Gerald Dixon, Andy Loader Cowdray Park Polo Club The Estate Office, Easebourne, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 0AQ Tel 01730 813257 Fax 01730 817314 Web www.cowdraypolo.co.uk E-mail enquiries@cowdraypolo.co.uk Edited, designed & published by Hine Marketing Hill Farm Studios Wainlodes Lane Bishops Norton Gloucestershire GL2 9LN Tel 01452 730770 Web www.hinemarketing.co.uk E-mail info@hinemarketing.co.uk
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at time of going to press, neither The Publisher (herein referred to as Hine Marketing) nor Cowdray Park Polo Club can accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Hine Marketing or Cowdray Park Polo Club. Hine Marketing shall have no responsibilty for the accuracy of the content of the programme.
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WELCOME A warm welcome to all of you who have come to Cowdray Park today to support the Audi England team in what I anticipate will be a thrilling afternoon of polo.
C
owdray Park Polo Club is delighted to be hosting the St. Regis International Cup for a seventh year and I thank St. Regis Hotels and Resorts for their ongoing support of English polo. In what is the first of four contests at senior level to be played around the country in 2014, England again take on a combined South American side. After their narrow defeats in 2011 and 2013 it’s time England delivered the goods, so please give them your maximum support and encouragement! The 2013 match had plenty of drama, not least a fall by the South American captain, Nacho Figueras, in the second chukka which saw him taken to hospital with a fractured pelvis. Unfortunately this kept him out of polo for the rest of the season, but we are delighted that Nacho is back with us today leading a very strong South American side in the main match of the afternoon before playing alongside his son, Hilario, in the Family Traditions at St. Regis Polo Cup match which will follow. For those of you here today who are new to polo, you will find some guidelines printed later in this magazine and Karl Ude-Martinez, our expert commentator, will also help you to understand the nuances of play as the match progresses. The ponies are an integral part of the sport of polo and I urge you to watch their athleticism and agility to fully appreciate the skills that both players and ponies bring to this enthralling sport. I hope you have a great afternoon.
Peter Barfoot, Chairman Cowdray Park Polo Club
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tHe PuRSuIt of fun Captivating activities and thoughtful, welcoming attention tailored for younger guests and their families.
Each St. Regis hotel and resort is a destination of distinction that celebrates the art of play.
celebrating the art of play at over 30 of the world’s finest hotels & resorts. stregis.com/familytraditions
©2013–2014 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, St. Regis and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.
WELCOME
As we embark on another year of polo, St. Regis is delighted to welcome you to the first international test match of the English polo season; the 7th annual St. Regis International Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club.
T
he St. Regis brand has long been associated with the sport of polo and the lifestyle that surrounds it, beginning at the turn of the century at the birth of our founding hotel – The St. Regis New York – in 1904.
Then spirited polo matches between army officers played on Manhattan’s Governors Island were the highlight of the New York summer social calendar, and St. Regis’ founding family, the Astors, were pre-eminent patrons of the sport. Over the years St. Regis has become a compelling voice in the world of polo and continues to share its passion for the ‘Sport of Kings’ today, providing guests with access to polo experiences throughout the year and around the world. This year we welcome our St. Regis Connoisseur, Nacho Figueras, who will again captain South America against Audi England playing at 26 goal. The Family Traditions at St. Regis Polo Cup, a new polo match featuring teams made up of notable polo playing family members will make its debut at Cowdray Park this year. Polo is undoubtedly a thrilling combination of courage, sportsmanship, speed and history. As you watch polo with us this year, we hope you will enjoy the traditions and elegance that surround it as well as the sheer skill and athleticism of the players and ponies. Get ready for an experience beyond expectation!
Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
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The private bank for polo
facebook.com/EFGInternational
Proud sponsors of: EFG Aravali Team, UK High Goal Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup XLIII International Polo Tournament, Sotogrande 40 Goal Challenge, Palm Beach RMA Sandhurst Polo Cambridge University Polo
Photos: www.imagesofpolo.com (EFG – Aravali Team); Abhishek Acharya; Elsa Ochoa.
University of St Andrews Polo Veytay Masters, Switzerland Haryana Polo Club, Delhi Thai Polo Open Kakira Nile Polo Club Copa Desafío, Punta del Este
Practitioners of the craft of private banking
EFG is the marketing name for EFG International and its subsidiaries. In the UK: EFG Private Bank Limited, Leconfield House, Curzon Street, London W1J 5JB, T + 44 20 7491 9111. EFG Private Bank Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. EFG Private Bank Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Registered in England and Wales no. 2321802. Registered office as above. Member of EFG International. www.efginternational.com
ENGLAND TEAM Correct at time of going to press
1. MAX CHARLTON HANDICAP: 6 AGE: 23 @maxcharltonpolo Max made his home debut for the England team at this event last year, and since then he has gone on to achieve success both in the UK and abroad. Max was introduced to the sport by the late Paul Sweeney and since then has never looked back. As a result of persistent hard work and raw talent, Max has continued to rise up through the handicaps and has become one of England’s most talented players. Unlike most of the polo contingent who set off to sunnier climes for the English winter, Max spends the majority of the winter playing arena polo – a slightly altered version of the sport to what you will see today. However, it seems his decision has paid off as this year he saw his arena handicap raised to an impressive 8 goals, making him one of the top arena players in the world. However, Max wasn’t just confined to the English winter, making trips to both St Moritz and China for snow polo events. As part of the England team in Goldin Metropolitan’s FIP Snow Polo World Cup, Max and his teammates lifted the trophy – undoubtedly a career highlight. Max was then scouted by Jonathan Munro Ford to play as part of his Cartier team at the World Cup on Snow in St Moritz, once again securing first place. This season Max is based in Windsor and once again is set to play at 8, 12, 15 and 18 goal level with the Bahlsens’ Dell Park side, for which he played last season.
3. JAMES BEIM HANDICAP: 7 AGE: 34 @jamesbeimpolo James was born into a family where the sporting gene seems to be incredibly dominant. With a brother who represented England in rugby and a sister who played England hockey, it would almost be surprising if James hadn’t represented England in his chosen sport of polo. However, by reaching a handicap of 7, James has proved that there was never any doubt of that, making him one of the top two players in the UK alongside his captain today, Luke Tomlinson. James’ first experience of polo was at the age of 12 in the form of the famous Pony Club, and from then on he has never looked back. From the start of his professional polo career, and still up until this day, James has been very lucky in the sense that he has had the support of Kerry Packer and his Ellerston set-up, a top-class polo organisation. Back in 1998, James was part of the successful Ellerston high goal team who won both The Queen’s and Gold Cups, and still plays with them now, this year winning both The Countess of Dudley Cup and The Morton Cup out in Australia. In the past year, the Tomlinson-Beim-Tomlinson line-up that we see here today has proved to be a successful one, both at home as well as abroad. Together the trio have won 2013’s Westchester Cup and most recently the Copa de las Naciones in Argentina just last month.
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2. MARK TOMLINSON HANDICAP: 6 AGE: 32 Mark made his debut for the main England side back in 2005 and from then on, he has been a regular figure in an England shirt, particularly on International Day. With a mother and father who both played the sport fanatically, it was inevitable that Mark would begin his polo career at a young age, as both his elder siblings had. Mark entered into the game by the conventional English approach: rising up through the Pony Club system, representing the Beaufort Hunt Pony Club team at each level. Since then, Mark and his polo career have obviously come a long way: not only has he built up an impressive string of horses in both Argentina and England but he has helped claim multiple wins for the England team as well as adding The Queen’s Cup and The Gold Cup to his list of conquests. Throughout the English winters, Marks tends to spend a significant amount of time at La Quinta, a club he owns with brother Luke in Pilar, Argentina, where together they have a breeding programme as well as a number of young horses that they are bringing on. Along with James and Luke, Mark was also part of the successful England team that recently won the Copa de las Naciones, which was played at Palermo, Argentina – arguably the perfect end to the Argentine season. Mark returns to the UK ready to play both The Warwickshire Cup at Cirencester Park Polo Club and The Gold Cup here at Cowdray Park with Paul Green’s Halcyon Gallery team, alongside three fellow Brits – no doubt this team will have the support of the home crowd.
4. LUKE TOMLINSON HANDICAP: 7 AGE: 37 @luke_tomlinson Luke is England’s Captain in today’s match and fittingly, with a 7-goal handicap, is also one of the highestrated English players. Recently he has experienced significant achievements, in his personal life as well as in his career. Luke and his wife Cata welcomed their first child, Lucas Rufino Tomlinson, in April. Career-wise, we watched as Luke not only captained an England team to victory in the Copa de las Naciones tournament, but as he also led England to a hard-fought victory against polo’s top nation, Argentina, which is a triumph in itself. Luke’s polo career features an impressive list of achievements. From playing in The Argentine Open (the most elite polo tournament in the world) to successes in every major domestic trophy in the UK, including both The Queen’s and Gold Cups, there is very little that doesn’t feature on the England Captain’s ‘polo CV’. Nationally, Luke is the most consistent member of the England team and as Captain of the last eight International Days, which included last year’s victory over the USA in the prestigious Westchester Cup, he must be close to becoming the most successful Captain the England polo team has ever seen. This season, Luke can be seen in action in the UK high goal, playing in both The Queen’s and Gold Cups as part of Texan John Muse’s Lucchese team. He is also into his third year as an ambassador for Jaeger-LeCoultre.
SOUTH AMERICAN TEAM Correct at time of going to press
1. GUY GIBRAT
2. ALEJANDRO NOVILLO ASTRADA HANDICAP: 4
HANDICAP: 8 AGE: 32
Playing in the Number One shirt today for South America, the UK summer season sees Guy Gibrat return to the English polo fields once again. Playing alongside some of the sport’s most talented individuals, this will undoubtedly be a game to remember for Gibrat. Having grown up in Argentina, Gibrat’s polo talent has taken him all over the world. Earlier this year he ventured to Dubai to play in the Dubai Gold Cup for Rashid Al Habtoor’s Mahra team alongside Santiago Cernadas and Nacho Gonzalez. The Mahra team succeeded in beating Bin Drai to claim the title of the Subsidiary Final. Based at Guards Polo Club in Windsor last year, Gibrat played his first full season here in the UK with his handicap being raised from 3 up to 4 at the end of the season. As a result, he will undoubtedly be aiming to impress the English crowd and prove he is worth every one of those 4 goals in this afternoon’s International.
Alejandro is one of the six famous Novillo Astrada brothers. Based at their La Aguada farm, the Novillo Astradas are one of the most talented families in the sport. Each of the Novillo Astrada brothers has succeeded in becoming a professional polo player – an impressive feat for such a big family. However, this does mean that there are too many of them to fit into just one La Aguada team. Consequently, in 2012, Alejandro and Eduardo, who are also playing alongside each other this afternoon, decided to go in a slightly different direction, forming the La Aguada Las Monjitas team with the aim to play in The Argentine Open. With the support of Camilo Bautista, they succeeded in reaching the Argentine Open where they faced the toughest line-ups in the world. Last year we watched as Alejandro took to the fields here at Cowdray Park to take part in The Gold Cup as part of Harald Link’s Thai Polo lineup. Although he didn’t secure any success in that particular tournament, Alejandro has put his name to an impressive collection of polo’s titles which have included the Gold Cup here in the UK, the Polo World Cup on Snow in St. Moritz and the US Open.
3. EDUARDO NOVILLO ASTRADA
4. NACHO FIGUERAS
HANDICAP: 9 AGE: 41 With a handicap of 9 goals, Eduardo is the highest rated player in this afternoon’s Test Match. As he was born in London, Eduardo has been able to play for England in the past, although today his loyalties will obviously be with the opposing South American team. His first encounter of the sport was when he was just 6 years old and as the eldest of six brothers, he has never any trouble finding any teammates. In fact in 2003, a La Aguada team consisting of no less than four Novillo Astradas achieved something incredible; they won all three Open tournaments in Argentina meaning they are one of very few line-ups to have won the elusive Triple Crown title. Away from home, Eduardo has continued to add more titles to his list of polo achievements including The British and US Open. As one of the few players to have reached the top handicap of 10 goals, Eduardo is undeniably one of the most outstanding players worldwide which is undoubtedly a factor that has contributed to his role as an ambassador for Jaeger-LeCoultre. Eduardo is married to model and photographer Astrid Muñoz, with whom he has three sons.
HANDICAP: 6 AGE: 37 @nachofigueras Nacho returns to Cowdray Park to captain the South America team against the Audi England side. After experiencing a horrific fall in last year’s St. Regis International, which saw Nacho leave the field in an ambulance with a broken pelvis, it is a great honour that he is returning to the field today. As a St. Regis Polo Connoisseur, Nacho has been instrumental in helping to bring the unique “essence” of St. Regis to polo VIPs all over the world. In his native Argentina Nacho first started to learn the sport at just 9 years old. By 17, he had already begun to start a professional career in the US as part of Peter Brant’s White Birch high goal team. At 22, he was scouted for modelling, and up until this day he remains as the face of Ralph Lauren’s Black Label. As well as his position as St. Regis Polo Connoisseur, Nacho is also an Ambassador for Sentebale, a charity founded by HRH Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to help vulnerable children. Following the International match, we will see Nacho take to the field for a second time to take part in the Family Traditions match where he will play alongside his 14 year old son, Hilario.
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RETAIL VILLAGE
Lola & Belle Boutique of handmade artisan finds www.lolaandbelle.co.uk
Be sure to visit the Shopping Village today.
Katie Mullally
The Village features pop-up shops showcasing luxury items in a relaxed setting away from the chaos of the high-street. Browse among the latest Audi car range, Cowdray Park polo shirts, Argentinian leather goods, fashion and jewellery, fine art and gifts for the home. Wind down at the bar or refuel with coffee or tea, and enjoy a range of food from curries to cheese hampers.
Shopping village marketing and management: Hodgson Events 01798 215 007 www.hodgsonevents.com polo@hodgsonevents.com
Vintage inspired silver jewellery www.katiemullally.co.uk
Ridley’s Family Funfairs
Funfair, rides and attractions 0783 1325 065
Uber Polo / Cowdray Polo Club Clothing
Official Cowdray Polo Club clothing, and polo gear 01428 642 671 www.uberpolo.com
Western Wind
Cashmere and silk jumpers
The Whole Cheese Company Organic cheese picnic boxes
Audi
The latest Audi car models 0800 699 888 www.audi.com
Claire Grose Original landscape oil paintings www.clairegrose.co.uk
Brindian
Colonel Grumpy’s Coffee Bus Coffee in an original Guatemalan bus
The best of British and Indian cuisine 01420 476385 www.brindian.co.uk
Estribos The real Argentine leather company 0208 398 2573 www.estribos.co.uk
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Lilah Clothing
Luxury fashion jackets and coats 07766 110 652 www.lilahclothing.co.uk
ENGLAND VS SOUTH AMERICA IN THE SIXTH ST. REGIS INTERNATIONAL CUP AT COWDRAY PARK
Dominic James
by Liz Higgins
The first of the UK senior internationals of 2013, the St. Regis International Cup, was played on Saturday 18th May, with a large crowd turning up in perfect weather to watch Audi England take on South America in a 26 goal test match. Captaining England was seasoned international professional, Luke Tomlinson, 7 goals, playing alongside James Beim, 7 goals, again an experienced international player. The team was completed by two very able 6 goal players Max Charlton and James Harper playing their first international matches on English soil. South America’s captain was Nacho Figueras (6 goals), Ambassador for the luxury St. Regis Hotel and Resorts group, playing at number 2 was 3 goal player Silvestre Grahn, at number 3 Alejandro Muzzio (7 goals), and the highest ranked player on the field at 10 goals, Facundo Pieres, who had won MVP at the US Open earlier in the year, played at back. England made the first mark on the scoreboard with an impressive lofted shot from James Harper. Muzzio scored South America’s first goal which was swiftly followed by a goal from Pieres, who, taking the ball steadily down the pitch, made it look like nothing more than a stick and ball practice. England sharpened up and both Max Charlton and James Beim were able to add to the England score which, interspersed with a second goal from Muzzio, saw the first chukka close at 4-3 in England’s favour.
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Dominic James
2013 REVIEW England were first back onto the pitch to start the second chukka with Beim swiftly picking up the ball and neatly running down the field to pop it through the posts and take England further ahead to 5-3. Good teamwork by England saw Pieres ridden off by Beim and Figueras taken out by Harper, but as Pieres seized on the ball again and aimed for goal he was fouled by Tomlinson. The 10 goal Argentine lost no time in taking the resulting penalty and adding to his scoreline. As the action heated up Tomlinson sent a corker down to Beim, who was fouled as he tried to reach the goal. A penalty 30 yard spot hit at goal was taken by Tomlinson and England were again two goals ahead. But as the action resumed, Nacho Figueras the opposing captain took a fall. After being attended by paramedics at the scene, he was taken to hospital and his place taken by Argentine player Bautista Sorzana with Facundo Pieres assuming the captaincy. While the third chukka saw excellent inter-play between Tomlinson and Beim, unfortunately it was a period without goals for the England side. Pieres meanwhile consolidated South America’s position with two great goals and at half time the teams were all square at six apiece. Following the tread-in, it was clear that South America were going to apply the pressure. Within the first minute Muzzio’s accurate pass to Pieres enabled a brilliant lofty 10-goal shot to take South American ahead for the first time in the match. A penalty for England saw Tomlinson level the scores. Once again good England teamwork enabled Beim to prevent South America scoring again but all too soon a scrum in front of the England goal saw the overseas side awarded a penalty and the 30 yard shot at an undefended goal gave Pieres his sixth goal of the match. All too soon this was followed by a chancey little flick of the ball between the posts by Pieres and the score at the close of the fourth chukka was 9-7 in favour of the visitors. In the final chukka, Bauti Sorzana got his chance to make a mark on the scoreboard with the seventeenth goal of the match while an inspirational shot at goal by Harper pulled one back for England. But a 10 goaler never misses the opportunity to wow the crowd and Pieres suddenly picked up the ball and powered off a lengthy cut shot from behind the girth which whizzed diagonally across the field to land plumb between the posts. The crowd gasped and the visitors were 11-8 ahead. England rallied once more and Harper sent an excellent shot through the posts but it was too late. The final chukka had ended and South America were the victors at 11-9. The England side showed themselves to be a well-organised and powerful team, but it was the sheer 10 goal brilliance of Facundo Pieres which ensured victory for their opposition. The Silver Jubilee Cup was presented to Facundo Pieres on behalf of the winning team by Paul James, Senior Vice President, Global Luxury Brand Management, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection and W Hotels, who also presented the St. Regis Cup to the English team and prizes to all the players. Facundo Pieres was named Most Valuable Player and received a bespoke high tech safety helmet from Jamie Gordon of Casablanca Polo. A rug for the Best Playing Pony was presented by Casablanca Polo to Zest, owned by Alejandro Muzzio and played by Facundo Pieres, whose day it certainly was. Unfortunately Nacho Figueras remained in hospital for several days with a fractured pelvis and was unable to resume playing for some months. However, this year’s audience will be thrilled to see him back as captain for the 2014 South American side.
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Zahra Hanbury
ENGLAND UPDATE “This is the seventh year that the St. Regis Test Match has been played here at Cowdray and once again the teams will play for the magnificent Silver Jubilee Cup which was presented in 1977. “This is the first of four internationals and provides a wonderful opportunity to watch one of the highest handicapped matches of the season being played on one of the best grounds with the spectacular backdrop of the ruins. “With The Queen’s Cup due to start in 3 days’ time and the season in full swing, any game carries the risk of injury for both the players themselves and also their ponies, and indeed last year Nacho Figueras, an Ambassador for St. Regis, was badly injured and had to be replaced. So both the HPA and St. Regis are delighted that Nacho Figueras, has returned to play for South America in 2014. “We are of course, all very fortunate that the players are so enthusiastic to play these games and we are also very grateful that their patrons are happy to release them; none of the players are easy to replace especially as many will have been playing numerous practices with their different teams. As sponsors of the England team, Audi has of course been a great supporter of polo for nine years now and this year will be the third year of their sponsorship of the other three internationals this season, at Guards, Beaufort and Chester Racecourse. Each of these matches provides an opportunity for players to play and spectators to watch the highest level of polo in different parts of the country.” Following The St. Regis International Cup we welcome The Family Tradition at St. Regis Polo Cub to Cowdray Park for the first time. St. Regis, who will feature Nacho Figueras and his son Hilario, are taking on a Hurlingham side, with both teams featuring notable poloplaying family numbers. To stage an international game is never easy and I would like to thank all those who have contributed and will contribute in their different ways to the day to ensure that the many moving parts work together and produce something that all the rest of us can enjoy.”
PAST RESULTS The St. Regis International Cup, 2013 South America beat England 11 - 9 The St. Regis International Cup, 2012 England beat USA 11-10½ The St. Regis International Cup, 2011 South America beat England 9 - 6½ The St. Regis International Cup, 2010 England beat South Africa 12 - 11 The St. Regis International Cup, 2009 Rest of the Commonwealth beat England 8½ - 8 The St. Regis International Cup, 2008 England beat Italy 9-6
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The Silver Jubilee Cup was commissioned in 1977 by the Hurlingham Polo Association to commemorate Her Majesty The Queen’s Silver Jubilee. The magnificent solid silver trophy was re-presented in 2012 at the St. Regis International Cup to celebrate the international and the long standing heritage of the sport in the Diamond Jubilee year. The trophy continues to be played for annually and so will be played for again today marking the first of the domestic Test Matches of the season.
Tally Ho Farm EUROPE’S LARGEST POLO SUPPLIER
Official Equestrian Supplier to the England Polo Team
www.tallyhofarm.co.uk 19
An Unbridled Passion for Polo Over the last seven years St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has celebrated its commitment to the international sport of polo by hosting important polo matches and VIP marquee events in England, China, the UAE, Singapore, Argentina, Mexico, the USA, Brazil and Thailand. The brand’s global polo experiences continue to recognize the St. Regis brand’s illustrious heritage and the passions of its guests: speed & sport, style & design, fine food & wine and more - most recently guests enjoyed the Piaget World Snow Polo Championships, where Nacho captained the St. Regis polo team to victory in Aspen and in Thailand where the St. Regis ladies team competed in the Queen’s Cup Pink Polo. Later this year the St. Regis brand will return with polo play in the USA followed by events in Thailand, the UAE and Mexico.
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Nacho Figueras St. Regis Connoisseur
Nacho has helped illuminate the St. Regis International Polo Program over the last few years. His talent, charm and hard work, together with his passion for the sport of polo and sheer star power, has contributed to greater awareness of this wonderfully engaging sport wherever he goes. Nacho embodies the spirit of St. Regis polo, and he brings it to life, for an increasing number of VIP guests and pitch-side spectators. We are thrilled to welcome Nacho back to the St. Regis International Cup, to captain the South America team against Audi England this year. Last year’s match saw South America win the trophy, despite Nacho’s horse falling in the second chukka, resulting in Nacho fracturing his pelvis. Thankfully Nacho returned to the saddle three months later, in time to captain the St. Regis team in The Piaget Hamptons Cup, in August 2013. This year’s St. Regis International Cup will be particularly poignant for Nacho, as he will play alongside his son, Hilario Figueras, in the first Family Traditions at St. Regis Polo Cup match at Cowdray Park, England. Nacho and his son are pitted against other prominent, polo playing families to help inspire a new generation of polo players that will undoubtedly entertain guests and spectators alike. Find regular interviews with Nacho, as well as news about the St. Regis International Polo Program and other polo events at www.stregis.com/polo.
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Family Traditions at St. Regis The Family Traditions at St. Regis program was launched last year with a vision to create memorable experiences that are inspired by the locale and designed to enable families to establish their own traditions. The first St. Regis family tradition began during John Jacob Astor IV’s visit to upstate New York while building the original St. Regis New York. This journey would be the start of an annual summer tradition for the Astor family. As they peered across the sparkling St. Regis Lake, pondering a name for Astor’s first hotel, his young niece offered a perfect solution: he should name it after that beautiful lake. Having discovered that the lake was named after François Regis, a 17th Century French monk, Astor was pleased to follow her thoughtful advice. Since time is today’s greatest luxury, St. Regis endeavours to make travel easier for families – with dedicated family services and activities that are beyond expectation to give time back to families. Here at The St. Regis International Cup, we are delighted to invite our younger guests and their families to take part in the day’s festivities, stomping in the divots with more than a hint of an afternoon tea party!
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St. Regis Afternoon Tea A time honoured tradition
All around the world, the brand’s polo experiences continue to recognize St. Regis’ illustrious heritage, be it St. Regis afternoon tea or Bloody Mary cocktails, the signature cocktail of St. Regis created over 75 years ago at The St. Regis New York’s King Cole Bar. Since its creation in England in the early 1800s by Anna, Duchess of Bedford, afternoon tea has long been associated with the entertainment of society. Naturally, New York society’s Grande Dame, Caroline Astor, or ‘The’ Mrs. Astor as she was known during the Gilded Age, adopted this tradition as her very own. In 1904 when John Jacob Astor IV founded “the finest hotel in the world”- the very first St. Regis hotel in New York, he took inspiration from his mother Caroline and created an afternoon experience in the hotel that lives on even today. Today, this social tradition continues and is celebrated at St. Regis Hotels & Resorts around the world, whether as a classic interpretation or as a more contemporary affair. When at a St. Regis hotel, try our St. Regis afternoon tea, which highlights original English traditions of enjoying selected blends of tea from around the world. Indeed the St. Regis afternoon tea experience is a signature ritual of the brand and is re-interpreted in a manner authentic to each hotel’s location.
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POLO AT A GLANCE Average number of ponies each player will play in today’s match
C
ost of hiring one of the world’s 10 goalers for the high goal in the UK
CHUKKAS IN THIS MATCH
The original Cowdray House, one of the most important early Tudor houses was destroyed by a fire
Each chukka lasts for 7 minutes, with 30 seconds of overtime
NUMBER OF PLAYERS IN EACH TEAM
1
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Attacking position, goal scorer
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2 Midfield attacking
3 Midfield defending
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This artwork and deviations of this artwork are Akuma Sports intellectual property and as such are protected by the copyright section of the copyright This artwork and deviations of this artwork are Akuma Sports intellectual property and as such are protected by the copyright section of the copyright This artwork and deviations of this artwork are Akuma Sports intellectual property and as such are protected by the copyright section of the copyright This artwork and deviations of this artwork are Akuma Sports intellectual property and as such are protecte Design and Patents Act 1988 (amended). Any unlawful imitation or reproduction of design without permision of Akuma Sports will incur legal action. Design and Patents Act 1988 (amended). Any unlawful imitation or reproduction of design without permisio Design and Patents Act 1988 (amended). Any unlawful imitation or reproduction of design without permision of Akuma Sports will incur legal action. Design and Patents Act 1988 (amended). Any unlawful imitation or reproduction of design without permision of Akuma Sports will incur legal action.
COPYRIGHT - AKUMA SPORTS 2014
position
COPYRIGHT - AKUMA SPORTS 2014
position
COPYRIGHT - AKUMA SPORTS 2014
Primarily a defending position
The direction of play can change without any warning and polo ponies therefore need to be able to turn on a sixpence
MPH
The speed PONIES can get up to The last time polo was included in The Olympics
THE HIGHEST HANDICAP YOU CAN GET TO IN POLO. THERE ARE CURRENTLY ONLY EIGHT 10 GOALERS IN THE WORLD, ALL OF WHOM ORIGINATE FROM SOUTH AMERICA.
Average weight of a polo player
657
FEMALE
2,022 MALE
77
Number of countries where polo is played
TOTAL: 2,679 full playing HPA members in 2013
In the UK, polo balls are commonly made of highimpact plastic, although in Argentina wooden balls are often used.
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AUTOGRAPHS T HE SI LVE R J U B I L EE C U P
ENGLAND TEAM
SOUTH AMERICA TEAM
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